Time spent studying abroad, immersed in another culture, can be a defining experience in a person’s life journey. We’re sitting down today with a group of students from Florida Southwestern State College who recently studied abroad in Florence, Italy at Lorenzo de Medici. They are going to be talking about their time over there during the next session of FSW’s Critical Thinking Lecture Series called "Gaining a New Perspective: Italy Through Our Eyes."

A group exhibition titled, “ There’s Something in the Water ” is currently running in the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center ’s Capital Gallery in downtown Fort Myers. The show features underwater works by Southwest Florida artists Mila Bridger , Katy Danca Galli and Arturo Samaniego and world-renowned underwater photographer Bob Halstead . The exhibit runs through July 25. We’ll talk with artists Mila Bridger and Katy Danca Galli about the show and about their unique approaches to creating art

Southwest Florida’s own Reggae-Rock band Opposite States delivers a lively mix of reggae, rock, punk, and blues music at venues throughout the region. The band consists of Chris Heine (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Eduardo Parada (Lead Guitar), Corey Moses (Bass) and Jake Young (Drums). The band performs next at a Ska, Punk and Reggae show at Old Soul Brewing July 13, which will also feature music from fellow Southwest Florida bands Bargain Bin Heroes and The Kimberlys . Opposite State’s Chris Heine

The island of Cayo Costa off the coast of Lee County, north of Captiva, is only reachable by boat, and most of it is a state park offering primitive camping. But, the still-unspoiled island has a rich history that we’re exploring in advance of the new independent documentary Mullet & Mangroves that airs starting Thursday, July 12 on WGCU TV . It tells the island’s story through historical research and interviews with the few remaining pioneers who grew up on Cayo Costa.

A big juicy ribeye was once the anathema of 1980s low-fat dieters. People were told that fat was the culprit behind weight gain, heart disease, and all manner of health issues. But, fast forward to today, and we are embracing fat -- but not all of it -- just the good fats. Things like olive oil and avocados. But, is there good fat to be found in that ribeye? And is there more good fat or bad fat in a black Angus cow? How about a Holstein? A Charolais? We’re talking with Dr. Raluca Mateescu , she

The North American Butterfly Association has conducted its Butterfly Count Program in the United States, Canada, and Mexico since 1993. Local counters try to find and identify all the butterflies observed within a 15-mile diameter count circle in a one-day period. This data is compiled and published to help researchers stay on top of information like geographical distribution and relative population sizes of the species counted. Comparisons of the results over time is used to monitor changes in

It is officially mosquito season here in southwest Florida. But, what we experience these days is nothing like what we’d experience if it weren’t for mosquito control. We’re joined by Eric Jackson, he's Public Information Officer with the Lee County Mosquito Control District , to learn what lengths they go to to try and reduce the numbers of these flying pests. And we’re joined by Dr. Jonathan Day , he's Professor of Medical Entomology at the University of Florida to find out why mosquitos feast

Florida Southwestern State College’s Critical Thinking Lecture Series returns this month for two presentations, beginning with one tomorrow morning called “Identifying and Acknowledging Subconscious Biases” with Dr. Mary Ellen Schultz. Subconscious, or implicit bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. The lecture series features academic scholars and community leaders who discuss critical thinking in their fields

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced they are suspending releases of water from Lake Okeechobee as of Sunday evening. Nutrient-laden water coming from the lake is blamed for a toxic blue-green algae bloom that's been moving down the Caloosahatchee River and impacting Lee County waters for about the past two weeks. Governor Rick Scott toured the Caloosahatchee River this morning to see impacts of the toxic bloom first-hand, and said afterwards he would be declaring a state of emergency. We

Southwest Florida’s performing arts scene is gaining a new community theatre company. New Phoenix Theatre in South Fort Myers is currently renovating a former gym into a venue that can accommodate up to 100 audience members, or up to 300 patrons for standing-room-only shows. In April, the organization announced an ambitious line-up of plays for its inaugural 2018-2019 season, including performances of “ Marvin’s Room ,” “ La Cage Aux Folles ” and “ Rumors ” among others. The new theatre company